Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals’ Rs 7,000-crore urea plant in Panagarh in West Bengal has started production, a top official of the company said today.

This is the first coal bed methane (CBM) urea plant in the country and will be key to fertiliser security of northeastern states, Matix Fertilizers and Chemicals Managing Director P R Dhariwal told PTI.

“Total capacity of the plant is 1.3 million tonnes and at present, it is producing only 40 per cent of the same. But we are confident, by the end of this year, it will touch the 100 per cent level,” Dhariwal claimed.

The plant, according to the MD, is strategically located, close to the feedstock source, and in the midst of the consumption centre.

The CBM, he said, will be sourced from Essar Oil’s Raniganj block and for this, a dedicated pipeline for 30 km has already been set up.

The company has also set up a captive power plant with a capacity of 54 megawatts.

It plans to tap the market of West Bengal and neighbouring Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha. The company is promoted by the Kanodias of the Datamatics Group.